Payne, who grew up an Auburn fan, said he spent most of the day with Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn and defensive line coach Rodney Garner.

"(Big Cat Weekend) is unique because it's a get-to-know each other type thing," he said. "I got to see the other side of them. All of them are really nice people."

Payne said he will likely make his decision on National Signing Day (Feb. 2, 2015) or during a postseason All-Star game.

Aside from competing with each other, the Tide and Tigers also have to be weary of Texas and Florida State. Payne said one of his five official visits will be to Ausitn, Texas, but he hasn't figured out where he will take the other four yet.

In addition, a third SEC program has apparently made strides with the 6-foot-2, 316-pounder.

"I'm considering Kentucky," he said. "I just like the coaching staff."